Comment gérer la BPCO pendant l'hiver

Comment la BPCO affecte-t-elle les gens au quotidien ?

COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. COPD represents a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties. COPD includes damage to the small air sacs in the lungs (emphysema) and long-term airway inflammation (chronic bronchitis).

Dr Sameer Sanghvi, GP and Clinical Technology Lead at Lloyds Online Doctor, says common symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, persistent coughs with phlegm and frequent chest infections.

"Day-to-day, people with COPD are likely to have difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity, and may experience persistent wheezing," he says.

"Whilst occasionally getting out of breath is normal and healthy for many of us, persistently getting breathless from normal tasks such as walking up the stairs or hoovering is a signal that something isn't quite right."

However, Sanghvi explains how, unfortunately, many people with COPD aren't diagnosed until the later stages of the disease, or they're simply not diagnosed at all. That's despite the fact that millions of people live with COPD across the country.

La BPCO peut-elle s'aggraver en hiver, et comment ?

Sanghvi says COPD can be triggered by extreme forms of weather. This includes the heat and cold.

He explains that in the winter, cold and dry air can cause flare-ups. Temperatures below 3°C are particularly dangerous for people with COPD. This is because, when temperatures drop, your body has to work even harder to keep you warm.

Sanghvi adds: "In the extreme cold, your blood vessels begin to narrow. This restricts blood flow and deprives your heart of oxygen. That means your lungs have to work harder to provide oxygen through the bloodstream. This then adds even more pressure to the long-term symptoms that people with COPD experience."

En hiver, les personnes atteintes de BPCO peuvent remarquer que leurs symptômes s'aggravent en fonction du temps qu'il fait. On pense que les symptômes de la BPCO sont deux fois plus susceptibles de s'aggraver en hiver qu'au cours des autres saisons. Le déclenchement de l'hiver signifie que les poussées sont plus fréquentes.

Quels sont les signes d'une poussée de BPCO ?

Sanghvi says that some flare-ups can be managed at home, but others may need immediate hospital attention.

Comment gérer votre BPCO pendant les mois les plus froids ?

Sanghvi recommends covering your nose and mouth with a scarf or mask when you go out in winter time. This can help to warm the air before it reaches your airways. He also advises staying inside and avoiding strenuous activities where possible. This helps to minimise your exposure to dry air and reduce the chance of a flare-up. However, it is important not to avoid exercise altogether - this can worsen COPD symptoms.

Les infections peuvent également déclencher des poussées, il est donc important d'adopter un mode de vie sain. Lavez-vous souvent les mains et évitez les endroits bondés. Bien qu'il ne faille pas s'isoler pendant l'hiver, il convient d'être prudent dans ses déplacements et d'adopter une bonne hygiène afin de tenir les germes à distance. Cela peut vous aider à éviter d'attraper d'autres maladies, car les rhumes, la grippe et la pneumonie peuvent tous provoquer des exacerbations de la BPCO.

Où trouver de l'aide et des conseils médicaux sur la prise en charge de la BPCO ?

You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about your COPD or want medical advice on managing it better. The British Lung Foundation (BLF) also has lots of support and resources for people living with COPD.